Program - Life Choices

Irene Bazan of Life Choices talked about that agency and it's work in the valley.  Although this editor was not in attendance it was reported that the program was controversial and offensive to some of our members.  Although Rotary International is a non-religious, non-political, and non-governmental organization, and our club strives to have informative programs that reflect this policy, we can't always predict what the speakers will do or say.  There will be surprises sometimes, even though we (and the program committee) select and screen the programs for appropriate and informative topics. We also try to provide an opportunity for countering  view points when dealing with controversial or political topics.

The next few weeks should provide refreshing and entertaining programs that highlight fun and inspirational things going on in our valley.

Program - Operation Welcome Home

Jim A. introduced Kari Strain, Services to the Armed Forces Coordinator for the Red Cross in Eastern Washington.  She has experienced military deployment with her husband and two of her sons, so has a passion for veterans.
This part of the Red Cross assists service people and their families through call centers, classes for families coping and reconnecting, and help for families of newly deployed soldiers.  They coordinate the Mail for Heroes program, the Armed Forces Day programs on May 16, and the Vets History Project that interviews WWII veterans.
In Operation Welcome Home, the Red Cross organizes receptions and honors service men and women by welcome home events.  These could include motor escorts, dignitaries, presentations, etc. involving the families and entire communities.  Kari showed pictures of a couple Welcome Home events, and talked about how special they were for the soldiers and their families.

Challenge Scholar Mentoring Program

Thanks to those who came to the mentor meeting Monday morning.  Joan Wright laid out the draft of our mentor application and timeline for training.  We are looking for members willing to do two years with one of our future Challenge Scholars.  Those attending were Joan, Erin McCool, Jim & Carol Adamson, Norm Sturm, Milt Herman, Patty Rush, Rani Sampson, Jim Huffman, Diana Oltman, and Dan Moody (Leavenworth).  Training sessions will be held on the evenings of March 9, 11, 16, and 18.  If you would like to be involved in mentoring, and/or working on the Challenge Scholar committee, contact Joan Wright.

Program - Soaring Over Wenatchee

Jim introduced Greg Brizendine, an East Wenatchee Rotarian, who talked about his experience in the Cascade Soaring and Gliding Club.  Greg has been a airplane and glider pilot for years.  He discussed the joys and challenges of gliding, and the specifics of how gliding works.  He mentioned the tows, finding air currents, the smooth, quiet ride, and the landing.

New Member Inducted

We inducted Kevin Love into our membership today.  Kevin was a member of our club for 20 years before taking a new job in Chelan.  He served as our treasurer for many years.  Now that he has retired, he has decided to rejoin our group.  He was a bookkeeper/accountant for the fruit industry for his career.  Kevin is married to Lynn, and they have 2 grown daughters.  They both enjoying skiing and traveling.  We're glad to have Kevin back in Sunrise Rotary.

Rotarian of the Month

Carol presented the Rotarian of the Month for January to Maggie Nelson.  Maggie is one of our newer members, but has been a Rotarian for over 5 years in Cle Elum.  Maggie has been appointed to our Board to fill a vacant position, and elected to the Board next year.  She has volunteered to help with secretarial duties while Joanne winters in Florida, and to be a Challenge Scholar mentor. Maggie is also taking the Rotary Leadership Institute training sessions for three Saturdays.  You will find Maggie coming toour meetings early to greet others.  Congratulations Maggie!